Santa Rosa was first listed in 1864 as a Wells, Fargo office in the company's directory.

The cover was sent to Clara C. Crittenden by her husband, Alexander Parker Crittenden, a prominent West Coast attorney, while he was in Santa Rosa. His wife stayed in San Francisco for some time, and the two corresponded frequently while he was away. In 1870 Crittenden was shot dead by his mistress, Laura Fair, in front of his wife and son.